The Takeover

What is an idol? It is anything on which we set excessive attachment, usurping God and
His Word. This is the exaltation or elevation of something in our minds and hearts in the
highest position, taking one’s time, thoughts, and affections. There is “One God and
Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:6), yet Satan
exalts himself in his “course of this world.” (Ephesians 2:2) We are instructed: “If ye then
be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right
hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians
3:1-2) Take a moment now to ponder what things, if any, are elevated in your life.

Regular, honest consideration of our thinking and behavior can reveal things we have
embraced and exalted in our lives. So, what will we do about it? Will we excuse ourselves
saying ‘everyone does it,’ try to diminish its profound effect, or even just ignore it? A
good example is electronics: phones, internet, TV, podcasts, social media, etc. Have one
or more of these overtaken you and is it in the ‘idol,’ stronghold, or addiction categories?
Satan uses effective tactics, playing into our weakness to keep us blind: “the lust of the
flesh, and the lust of eyes, and the pride of life” (I John 2:16), using our devolving society
to entice. Is it worship if an exorbitant affection toward other things is exalted rather
than for God? “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things
are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (I Corinthians 6:12)

Though we are not under the law, but under grace, we’re encouraged to make wise
choices. A few questions to prompt serious reflection: How much time in the day is spent
on electronics? Does it displace conversation, personal relationship time, responsibil
ities, reading-studying the Word, prayer, meditation, or opportunities for ministry? Ask
yourself: Is your day focused on spiritual things: reading, studying, applying the Word,
or serving, or driven by the flesh? The answers can be a red flag. It is wisdom to recall
that Christ is to be our life. (Col. 3:3-4) We are here on Christ’s behalf as His ambassadors,
servants, and living sacrifices. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the
Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are
bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are
Gods.” (I Cor. 6:19-20) This is a hard saying, but it is our “reasonable service.” (Rom. 12:1)

Reflect: Give yourself grace, allowing Christ to make needed changes in you. It would be wisdom to regularly evaluate where you are as things in this world wax worse. Make the hard changes needed to exalt and worship God alone. Satan and the impact of his plan of evil in this world is subtle, attacking in many ways. Electronics are not bad and almost required to navigate in this society. Moderation is wise. (Phil 4:5) Humbly evaluate where you are and discuss it with family about how to make changes to worship only God, not allowing Satan a place. (One new women’s book with great application ideas may be helpful to begin the awareness process: “Overcoming Smartphone Addiction” by Adrienne Jason: On Amazon and Kindle.) Search things out for yourself.